How to Hire an MVP Developer
Complete guide for non-technical founders. Find, vet, and hire the right developer for your startup.
Your Hiring Options
Freelancer
$50-$150/hr
Best for: Simple MVPs, tight budgets
Dev Shop
$15k-$50k fixed
Best for: Most non-technical founders
Agency
$150-$300/hr
Best for: Large budgets, complex projects
Red Flags to Avoid
No portfolio or case studies
Can't prove they've built MVPs before
Vague pricing
"It depends" without clear ranges
Unrealistic timelines
"I can build Instagram in 2 weeks"
Poor communication
Takes days to respond to messages
No references
Can't provide past client contacts
Asks for 100% upfront
No leverage if they don't deliver
How to Vet Developers
1. Review Their Portfolio
Look for:
- Similar projects (Have they built MVPs before?)
- Quality (Does it look professional?)
- Recency (Built anything in the last year?)
2. Check References
Ask past clients:
- "How was communication?"
- "Did they deliver on time?"
- "Were there cost surprises?"
- "Would you hire them again?"
3. Start with a Test Project
Never commit to a full MVP without testing first:
- Pay $500-$1,000 for a small test project
- Test their speed, quality, and communication
- If they deliver well, move forward
Must-Have Contract Terms
Never start without a contract that includes:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hiring the Cheapest Option
You get what you pay for. Cheap developers often deliver poor quality, miss deadlines, or ghost you mid-project.
Not Defining Scope Clearly
Leads to scope creep, missed expectations, and cost overruns. Write a detailed one-pager before you start.
Paying 100% Upfront
No leverage if they don't deliver. Always do 50% upfront, 50% on delivery (or milestone-based).
Not Owning the Code
Contract must state you own 100% of the code. Otherwise, you can't make changes or hire someone else later.
Skip the Hiring Headache
I build MVPs for non-technical founders at a fixed price of $15,000 (starting). No vetting required—just book a call and let's talk about your idea.
No pressure. Just an honest conversation about your project.